Domingo A. "Tony" Feliz Carela, a student from the University of Arkansas, helped monitor the recent elections in Guyana. As a Fulbright scholar and graduate student, Feliz Carela joined the Organization of American States as a key player in its Electoral Observation Mission in the mentioned country.

The Organization of American States is a group of countries in North, Central and South America. Its main goal is to work together to protect democracy, promote human rights and solve problems peacefully. This organization is important in the Americas because it acts as a neutral observer during elections, helps countries with political issues and brings leaders together to discuss regional challenges.

Feliz Carela's role went beyond just watching. As a logistics officer, he was in charge of making sure everything ran smoothly for the mission's 27 observers from 18 different countries. This meant coordinating essentials' needs for teams spread across seven of Guyana's 10 regions, including both cities and remote areas.

This hands-on experience gave Feliz Carela a unique perspective. He saw firsthand the technical and human challenges of running an election, especially in a country with strong political divisions. The experience connected his academic studies in public administration to real-world democratic efforts, showing how international cooperation can build trust in a country's voting system.

Youthful Role in a Changing World

Feliz Carela's work in Guyana highlights how young people can make a real difference in strengthening democratic institutions. It serves as a powerful reminder that defending democracy isn't just for career diplomats; it's a call to action for students and young leaders who are ready to put their knowledge to work. As Feliz Carela continues his studies, his experience in Guyana stands as a testament to the power of scholarship and service in defending democracy as the idea that everyone has a voice and a right to participate in how they are governed.